Sonsonate, El Salvador facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sonsonate
Villa de la Santísima Trinidad de Sonsonate
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Partial view of the city of Sonsonate from the top of the cemetery hill.
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 Sonsonate
Location in El Salvador
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| Country |  El Salvador |
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| Department | Sonsonate Department | |
| Founded | 1524 | |
| Area | ||
| • Municipality | 232.53 km2 (89.78 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 246 m (807 ft) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Municipality | 71,980 | |
| • Density | 309.551/km2 (801.73/sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 59,468 | |
| Time zone | UTC-6 | |
Sonsonate is a city and district located in El Salvador. It is a very important city in the western part of the country. About 71,980 people lived there in 2020.
The city was first started in 1552. It was called "Villa del Espíritu Santo" back then. But this first town did not last long. In 1553, the town moved to where it is now. It was renamed "Villa de la Santísima Trinidad de Sonsonate". This area was known for growing cocoa. Over time, people just called it Sonsonate.
The name Sonsonate comes from the Rio Grande. This river flows through the area and into the Pacific Ocean. It was the third Spanish town built in what is now El Salvador. For a long time, Sonsonate was the capital of its own special area. This area was separate from San Salvador, which is now the capital of El Salvador.
One of the most famous things about Sonsonate is its Holy Week celebration. This event is a big part of the country's religious history. It was officially recognized as a national heritage in 2013.
What Does the Name Sonsonate Mean?
The name Sonsonate has an interesting history. Early reports said the city got its name from the Sensunat river. This name was thought to mean "four hundred waters."
Another idea came from Fray Francisco Vásquez. He thought it meant "four hundred eyes of water." Santiago I. Barberena believed the word came from the Nahuat people. In Nahuat, Sentzunti means "four hundred" and At means "water." So, the name Sentzunhat would mean "four hundred waters."
Sonsonate's Economy
The economy of Sonsonate has changed over time. Long ago, the area was famous for growing cotton. Most of the cotton grown in the 1850s was used by local people.
Today, Sonsonate has different important industries. These include growing tobacco and raising cattle. Tourism is also a big part of the economy. People visit Sonsonate to see its volcanoes and beautiful coral reefs.
See also
In Spanish: Sonsonate para niños
